On the Issues
Education
Education is the foundation for quality health care, protecting our environment, enriching our economy, and creating a better future for the next generation. That’s why I’m dedicated to fully funding education at 55%, investing in improving our infrastructure, and providing quality resources for places of learning. I am committed to ensuring access to resources for students experiencing disabilities in need of special education by better implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I also support addressing the barriers schools face when trying to access the School Revolving Renovation Fund, which is necessary to ensure that all Maine students are able to learn in safe environments.
Health Care
Access to affordable health care continues to be a systemic issue, which is why I am committed to advocating for and championing legislation to increase eligibility for health insurance and bring down health care costs. I believe in lowering prescription drug costs, fill in gaps in both private and public health insurance coverage, and ensure access to high quality and affordable health care services.
I also believe in safeguarding the progress we have made in Maine towards reproductive rights and gender-affirming health care. I am committed to enshrining the right to access affordable abortion care in our State’s Constitution and supporting legislation that increases access to affordable gender-affirming care.
Environment
With the rising temperatures and reports that the Earth is warming at an increasing rate, addressing the climate crisis is one of my top priorities. As a young person, I want to ensure that there is hope for future generations to not just survive, but thrive. I believe in working towards Maine’s climate goals by advancing affordable access to renewable energy and building on conservation efforts to preserve Maine’s natural landscape. I am also committed to supporting the work to address our PFAS crisis through remediation and preventing further use of forever chemicals.
Housing
As a young person, I understand firsthand the barriers facing many Mainers concerning affordable housing. I have parents who are living off of a fixed income who are concerned that they won’t be able to afford to live in Gorham anymore because of increasing property taxes. That’s why I’m committed to increasing eligibility and the maximum benefit of the Property Tax Fairness Credit, which puts money directly into the pockets of Mainers to offset the cost of their property taxes.
I also believe in removing barriers of entry for first-time homebuyers, incentivizing building affordable housing, and working with housing experts to find ways to lower housing costs for our community.
Justice
As a former bartender and professional dancer, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck working as gig-worker, hourly worker, and independent contractor. I have experienced harassment in the workplace, and the life of working 60 hour-work weeks when my rent was 80% of my income. That’s why I am dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights, building on progress towards equal pay, and strengthening the prevention for sexual harassment in the workplace.
I am also committed to building on the work I have done as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee of the Maine Democratic Party. I believe in ensuring that New Mainers have the resources to build new lives in our state, funding legal services that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence, and advocating for common sense gun safety legislation. I also believe in addressing racial disparities that negatively impact Black, Brown, and Indigenous Mainers, and support Tribal Sovereignty.
Economy
I watched my parents nurture and support their small business through the 2008 Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic to ensure its survival. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, which is why I believe in investing in small businesses over large companies. I also support policies that will generate high-quality jobs and expand access to trade and post-secondary programs. Investing in workers by providing post-secondary learning, ensuring safe working conditions, and implementing fair wages, grows and uplifts our economy as a whole.